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Psalm 77:1-9  
For the director of music. For Jeduthun. Of Asaph. A psalm.

I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me. When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands, and I would not be comforted. I remembered you, God, and I groaned; I meditated, and my spirit grew faint. You kept my eyes from closing; I was too troubled to speak. I thought about the former days, the years of long ago; I remembered my songs in the night. My heart meditated and my spirit asked: “Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?” 

It can get lonely at night. When it’s just you and God— waiting for sleep. Sometimes those moments of silence produce songs of praise; sometimes cries of pain. There had been times for songs of praise in the night for Asaph, but this night was not one of them.

Asaph was crying out to God for help. His heart was filled with distress, groaning, fatigue…and questions. How long would the pain continue? Were God’s favor and love only in the past? Had God forgotten His promises and mercy? Where was God’s compassion? Sleep would not come; questions would not stop. 

Been there or there now? We learn from this portion of the psalm that it’s all right to tell God what’s on your mind and ask the questions that fill your anxious thoughts. In tomorrow’s portion of the psalm, Asaph reflects on what God has done, but this night is filled with cries and questions…and that’s OK.

Father, sometimes I just have to get my questions out in the air. Like Asaph, I am crying out and questioning. Thank You for loving me so much that You will let me express my heart. Thank You for always hearing my pleas. In Jesus’ name. Amen.